TIMELINE
BELOW IS A HISTORICAL TIMELINE OF KEY MOMENTS IN OUR RESEARCH JOURNEY SO FAR
Phase 1 Interview CALL OUTS Begin
Website launched
Call out for 6 interview groups starts (2 online, 4 in-person in Dundee, Aberdeen, Glasgow and Edinburgh)
Creative collage-making methodology implemented
Includes therapeutic support
RESEARCH REFINED & AFTERCARE DEVELOPED
Participatory creative research methodology refined and subsequently reviewed by Dr Cheryl McGeachen
Aftercare provisions are developed, including vetting of psychotherapists & counsellors for 1:1 support
Three core themes publicly announced from initial research:
Need for safe, BPOC-led spaces
Systemic change in creative industries
Economic pressures impacting mental health
Decision to focus on theme 1 (BPOC-led spaces) due to feasibility of project scope
Research planning underway, including engagement with organisations across Scotland
Session exploring terminology takes place with Steering Group
CORE THEMES ANNOUNCED
Creative Balance partners with EMCC/Engender providing support to expand team
Loa Pour Mirza joins as Research Assistant
TEAM EXPANSION
Collaboration established with Dr. Cheryl McGeachan at Glasgow University
Research methodology refined with academic
ACADEMIC PARTNERSHIP
Project blog launches sharing progress with wider community
Three main research themes identified (not yet disclosed publicly)
Resource mapping begins across Scottish organisations and support services
FIRST PUBLIC UPDATE
Individual case studies conducted to ensure further intersectional experiences captured
RESEARCH DEVELOPMENT
10-person Steering Group established with BPOC creatives and cultural professionals from across Scotland
Three 2-hour meetings held to explore mental health experiences and research priorities
STEERING GROUP FORMATION
Creative Balance officially launches with initial funding from The Baring Foundation and Creative Scotland
Recruitment begins for Steering Group members across Scotland